He smiled and wished he could kiss her, but he wasn’t sure how’d she feel about it being in public. Further proof they still had a ways to go to get to know each other. “Morning, beautiful.”

She smiled back as she came to a stop in front of him. She waited for a moment, then her smile bent into a frown. “No kiss?”

“I wasn’t sure how you feel about public displays of affection.”

“Tongue is a no-no.”

“Got it.” He leaned in and planted one on her, brief but definite. “How was that?”

“Perfect. You nervous?”

“It’s not every day you meet the big bad wolf.”

“Hush,” she said. “You can’t say that to his face.”

“I won’t.”

“Good. We’d better go in.”

He reached for the door, but she put her hand on his arm, stopping him.

“Did I mention his aunt is the receptionist?”

“I don’t think so.”

“Okay, well, she is. And she’s a werewolf too.”

“Excellent.” This town never stopped being strange. “Ready?”

She nodded, so he opened the door, then followed her in.

The woman behind the reception desk turned from her computer as they walked into the foyer. “Pandora Williams, as I live and breathe. How are you? How’s your lovely mother?” Then she leaned to the side to ogle Cole behind Pandora. “And who’s that with you?”

Nothing about the woman said werewolf. More like regular bingo player and cruise-aholic.

“We’re all good,” Pandora answered. “And this is Cole Van Zant. He’s meeting the sheriff with me today. Cole, this is Birdie Caruthers.” She gave him a pointed look. “The sheriff’s wonderful aunt.”

Cole stuck his hand out. “Nice to meet you, ma’am.”

She shook his hand with both of hers sandwiched around it. “Birdie, please. You are a handsome thing, aren’t you?” She narrowed her eyes. “Avian shifter, am I right?”

“Uh…” He hadn’t been expecting that.

Birdie laughed, let his hand go and tapped her nose. “Better than a bloodhound.”

Pandora looked around like she was checking to see if anyone else had heard. “That’s confidential, Birdie.” She lowered her voice. “He’s a familiar.”

Birdie made a face. “I’m no witch but aren’t those usually animals?”

“Yes. But sometimes, they’re not.”

Birdie’s eyes widened, and she whistled. “And rare as hen’s teeth, am I right?” She mimed zipping her lips and throwing away the key, then winked at Cole. “I won’t say a word.”

Somehow he doubted that.

The office door adjacent to her desk opened and a man leaned out. “Birdie, have you heard from—” The dark, gruff man in the sheriff’s uniform looked at them, then at Birdie and sighed. “Never mind. I can see my nine o’clock appointment is here.”

Pandora tipped her head in greeting. “Sheriff.”

“Pandora.”

“Sheriff Hank Merrow, this is Cole Van Zant.”

The sheriff shook Cole’s hand. “Call me Hank. Come on in. You two want coffee?”

“I’m good.” She looked at Cole.

“I’m fine, thanks.”

“Good,” Hank muttered. “Birdie’s lousy at getting it.”

“I heard that, sassmouth,” she screeched. “Don’t forget I changed your diapers.”

Hank grimaced and shut the door. “Make yourselves comfortable.”

They sat while Hank went to his desk chair and settled in. He looked like a werewolf. Or what Cole imagined one might look like in human form. Blue eyes, five o’clock shadow at nine A.M., gravelly voice and a slightly predatory gleam in his gaze. It wasn’t entirely welcoming, but Cole supposed it suited the man well, considering his occupation.

Hank rested his forearms on the desk. “What can I help you with?”

“This is a supernatural matter,” Pandora started.

Hank seemed puzzled. “Witch business?”

“Yes.”

“You’ve always handled that yourselves. What’s going on?”

“My ex-wife is what’s going on,” Cole said.

Hank’s brows lifted slightly. “I see.”

Pandora explained about Lila and what they suspected she was up to.

The sheriff shook his head. “Not sure what I can do for you.” He looked at Cole. “I could add your house to one of the deputies’ patrols. Alex Cruz lives in Pandora’s neighborhood. He could drive by on his way home.”

“I appreciate that,” Cole said. “But I don’t think Lila’s going to be that obvious. And Pandora’s got a plan.”

“That’s really where we need you, Sheriff.” Pandora laid out the strategy to catch Lila in the act. “Ultimately, things will go smoothest with the ACW if there’s an impartial witness to this whole operation.”

A light came on in Hank’s eyes. “And that’s where I come in.”

“Yes. My sisters and my mother will be there to contain her magic, but I’m sure you can see that us all being related creates a bias. Your impartial word would go a long way towards making sure Lila can’t try this again.”

Hank seemed to think for a moment. “What will the ACW do to her?”